Jumping spiders are way cool because...

As the most diverse spider family, jumping spiders come in many shapes, sizes and colours. Some even look like ants or beetles! They are unique because of their two large, central, forward-facing eyes. These eyes give jumping spiders acute vision, which enabled them to evolve fascinating mating behaviours and predatory strategies. Junxia Zhang, former post-doctoral researcher at UBC, is a true "Spider Woman." She entered the jumping spider world seven years ago, and thanks to her deep attraction to these amazing beasts, has been working on them ever since.